jena leake

Artist. Therapist. Educator. Consultant.

Jena Leake, Ph.D., R.E.A.T. is a contemplative artist, registered expressive arts therapist, educator, and consultant who is passionate about supporting others in becoming artists of their lives. Over the past 25 years, Jena has been designing and facilitating expressive arts trainings, workshops and retreats in a wide variety of settings, including universities, mental health agencies, public schools, art galleries and museums, hospitals, and through the Art Life Studio in Charlottesville, Virginia, which she founded and directed. She has a private practice offering expressive arts therapy, creative coaching and mentoring, and clinical arts-based supervision for therapists and helping professionals. Additionally, Jena is an Associate Professor of Expressive Therapies at Lesley University in the Department of Expressive Therapies as well as the Program Coordinator for the Expressive Arts Therapy specialization. Her teaching and scholarship focus on integrating contemplative arts practices across clinical, educational and community settings to enhance well-being, resiliency and flourishing.

As an interdisciplinary practitioner, Jena develops innovative programs integrating visual art-making, writing, movement, somatic awareness, and mindfulness-based practices.  Her creative offerings grow out of her genuine commitment to cultivating enlivening spaces for renewal, healing, and well-being. Through her consultancy work, Jena supports individuals and organizations in re-imagining their lives and work through artful, contemplative practices designed to promote human flourishing.

Jena received her Ph.D. in Expressive Arts Therapy (magna cum laude), along with a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Research, Leadership & Training in Expressive Arts Therapy, Education & Consulting, from the Arts, Health & Society Division of the European Graduate School in Saas-Fee, Switzerland.  She also has a Masters in Counseling and a Bachelors in Speech Communications & Psychology, and is immersed in on-going personal and professional development in the contemplative sciences. Jena lives in Charlottesville, VA with her partner and son, where she enjoys creating artful rituals in everyday life.